Edict 2021-05-25 – Revision to 2/18/2021 Edict
Category Archives: Grand Master
Edict 2021-02-19 Back-To-Work
Attached is the first of two Edicts issued today from MWB Barry V. Cundiff.
This first Edict gives the effective date and conditions for allowing lodges to restart doing degree work. Please read the mandatory conditions of the Edict and the recommended procedures included with the Edict very closely, and contact your DDGM with any questions. [PDF for download]
Edict 2021-01-27
Attached is a revised blanket dispensation issued by MWB Barry Cundiff, that will allow all Missouri Masonic Lodges, to continue to cancel or postpone their stated communications at the discretion of the Master, until the date of April 30st, 2021, to be in compliance with Federal, State, County, or City/Municipal laws, ordinances, mandates, health concerns, or to prevent or limit exposure of the members during meetings involving close proximity and subsequent possible contact to the COVID-19 virus.
Click here or on images below for PDF copy of edict
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Edict 2020-11-18
With the increase of COVID-19 cases throughout the state and many municipalities increasing restrictions, the Grand Master has issued a new EDICT, reaffirming the previous EDICT’s indefinite extension of conditions of Edict 4/24/2020 issued by MWB Brown. MWB Cundiff also issued a blanket dispensation for all lodges to be able suspend regular meeting(s) at their Master’s discretion, to comply with local mandates or restrictions, or if he feels it’s in the best interest of the safety of the lodge’s members, with no further paperwork necessary from Grand Lodge. The blanket dispensation extends through January 31st, 2021.
The PDFs of the Edict and Dispensations are linked below. They are also in your Portal Resources.
Dispensation (COVID-19)- Cundiff Edict 2020-11-18
EDICT November 18, 2020
TO: All Missouri Masons under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri
WHEREAS, Grand Master Stanton T, Brown, II, issued the following Edicts pertaining to subordinate lodge operations in Missouri in response to the Coronavirus pandemic:
• Edict 3/11/2020 – Allowing lodges to close to protect members
• Edict 3/25/2020 – Suspending all Masonic Activity
• Edict 4/24/2020 – Resumption of partial Masonic Activity where allowed by City or County
• Edict 6/26/2020 – Revision to allow non-resident members to attend allowed activities
• Edict 8/27/2020 – Indefinite Extension of conditions of Edict 4/24/202 with emphasis on work allowed, temporary suspension of initiation and advancement time, and temporary suspension of Annual Communication attendance requirements
WHEREAS, on September 21st, 2020 Most Worshipful Brother Barry V. Cundiff was installed as Grand Master;
WHEREAS, in November, 2020, cases of the COVID-19 corona virus have been increasing, causing several municipalities in Missouri to implement more restrictive local ordinances that would directly impact the ability of Lodges to conduct businesses;
WHEREAS, these previous edicts state that all meetings so held shall be conducted in a manner which complies with all laws, regulations, requirements and guidelines of the State of Missouri and any city, county or other political subdivision in which the lodge hall is located;
THEREFORE, under the authority of Section 2.010(k) of the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri as Grand Master, I hereby issue the following Edict:
A. I reaffirm and hold continued in full force all the provisions of MWB Brown’s Edict of August 27th, 2020.
C. All meetings so held shall further be conducted in a manner which complies with all recommendations of the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) with respect to physical distancing and sanitation practices;
D. All meetings so held shall be considered open to all members of the lodge, members of other subordinate lodges of this jurisdiction, and members of any lodge in another Grand Jurisdiction which is in fraternal relationship with this Grand Lodge so long as the total attendance at the meeting shall comply with the remainder of this Edict in respect to physical distancing and local regulations;
E. The Master of the lodge may, at his discretion, direct that all in attendance at such meetings wear facial coverings as recommended by the CDC, provided, however, that no one in attendance may be prohibited from wearing a facial covering at his election;
F. Notwithstanding Section 7.060 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws, all meetings shall be conducted in the First Degree of Freemasonry so as to comply with all social distancing guidelines in the practice of Masonic Ritual;
G. No degree conferral, ceremony, education, or other business that cannot be conducted in a manner that complies with the above requirements may be conducted by the lodge. Any lodge in violation of this portion of the Edict shall be subject to Masonic Discipline, including but not limited to suspension of its functions;
Notwithstanding the above, the Edict issued March 11, 2020 allowing subordinate lodges to cancel or postpone stated communications at the discretion of the Master when the purpose of said cancelation or postponement is to prevent or limit the exposure of officers and members of the subordinate lodge to coronavirus or some other such infectious or contagious disease of a similar nature remains in full force and effect indefinitely, unless canceled or modified by future order, and all dispensations issued pursuant to that Edict remain in full force and effect.
A blanket dispensation allowing the suspension of lodge meetings under the above conditions through January 31st, 2021 will be included with this Edict, that will alleviate any lodge desiring to suspend their meetings from contacting the Grand Secretary to obtain an individual dispensation for their lodge.
This Edict shall remain in full force and effect until otherwise modified by further Order of the Grand Master.
Barry V. Cundiff
Grand Master
Indefinite Extension of Closure Edict – 8/27/2020
To all Missouri Freemasons
I am including herewith an extension of my edict which was set to expire on September 1, 2020 with regard to restrictions intended to ensure the safety and health of our membership. I am issuing this edict maintaining the current restrictions, however, without an expiration date which will allow us to rescind it at any time as circumstances may dictate. I am also including allowances for the requirement for lodge representation at our annual communication and allowing an extension of time for completion of the degrees since none can be conferred until further notice.
I have had many requests to allow a resumption of conferrals of degrees however, I cannot in good conscience allow that to happen yet. The average age of the Master Masons in the State of Missouri is 64.04 years. Each of you has a choice to make regarding your own personal safety. That is up to you and is your right. I will not however, allow your right to exercise your personal choices to put at risk the lives of other members. I have the weight of approximately 30,000 men whose welfare I need to try to protect. I cannot sanction activities that may compromise another Mason’s health if it can be mitigated by practicing safe and prudent measures. I have been in constant contact with the Grand Lecturer in trying to find ways that will allow us to safely resume degree conferrals and to continue to comply with all the different requirements throughout the State. He has worked diligently trying to find a way to allow it to happen but he has not developed a plan that can continue to emphasize the lessons those degrees are intended to convey and still comply with safe practices and mandated rules. While I understand there are locations within the State that have had no deaths and few infections, there are no counties in this State that have not had at least one case. As much as I would like to accommodate various regions, I must have consistent rules throughout the State regarding ritual and compliance with my edicts.
I pray for your continued support and understanding during these difficult times.
May God bless and keep us all safe.
Stanton T. Brown II
Grand Master 2019-2020
EDICT: August 26, 2020
TO: All Missouri Masons under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2020, I, as Grand Master, issued an Edict authorizing subordinate lodges to cancel or postpone stated or special communications for the purpose of preventing or limiting the exposure of officers and members to infectious diseases, and
WHEREAS, on March 25, 2020, I, as Grand Master, issued an Edict suspending all lodge meetings, masonic community events and degree work through April 24, 2020; and
WHEREAS, on April 24, 2020, that Edict was modified to authorize subordinate lodges to hold communications under certain restrictions, including restricting attendance at such communications to resident members; and
WHEREAS, on June 26, 2020, that Edict was modified to allow attendance by non-resident members and extended through September 1, 2020; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary to extend these Edicts past the date of the Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge; and
WHEREAS, equity requires the alleviation of certain requirements otherwise imposed on subordinate lodges with respect to attendance at the Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge; and
WHEREAS, equity further requires the tolling of requirements for the presentation of candidates for the degrees and advancement;
Under the authority of Section 2.010(k) of the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri as Grand Master, I hereby issue the following Edict:
- A. The Edict issued on June 26, 2020 and all restrictions therein, including prohibitions regarding degree conferral, with the exception of performing ceremonies and social events, shall remain in full force and effect until and unless modified or rescinded by Order of a this or any future Grand Master.
- B. Any lodge having previously received dispensation to cancel stated communications pursuant to the Edict issued March 11, 2020 may, at the discretion of the Master, extend such cancellations without further dispensation until modification or rescission of this Edict.
- C. Any subordinate lodge which is not represented at the 199th Annual Communication and whose functions would be suspended pursuant to Section 7.230(c) of the Grand Lodge By-Laws for failure to attend two consecutive annual communications is hereby granted a “good cause” waiver of representation pursuant to Section 7.230(d).
- D. All requirements for presentation for initiation or advancement pursuant to Sections 15.150 and 15.160 are hereby declared tolled effective March 11, 2020 and shall remain so tolled until the modification or recission of this Edict and such tolling period shall not count towards such one and five year presentation requirements.
Updated Edict 6/26/2020
Brethren, an updated edict from MWB Stanton T. Brown II, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Missouri:
EDICT: June 26, 2020
TO: All Missouri Masons under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri
WHEREAS, on March 25, 2020, I, as Grand Master, issued an Edict suspending all lodge meetings, masonic community events and degree work through April 24, 2020; and
WHEREAS, on April 24, 2020, that Edict was modified to authorize subordinate lodges to hold communications under certain restrictions, including restricting attendance at such communications to resident members; and
WHEREAS, circumstances are such that the restriction on attendance to resident members may be lifted;
THEREFORE, under the authority of Section 2.010(k) of the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri as Grand Master, the Edict issued on April 24, 2020 is hereby modified and superseded as follows:
A. All lodges desirous of meeting may only do so to the extent the same is otherwise allowed by the laws, ordinances and regulations of the city, county or other political subdivision in which the lodge hall is located;
B. All meetings so held shall be conducted in a manner which complies with all laws, regulations, requirements and guidelines of the State of Missouri and any city, county or other political subdivision in which the lodge hall is located;
C. All meetings so held shall further be conducted in a manner which complies with all recommendations of the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) with respect to physical distancing and sanitation practices;
D. All meetings so held shall be considered open to all members of the lodge, members of other subordinate lodges of this jurisdiction, and members of any lodge in another Grand Jurisdiction which is in fraternal relationship with this Grand Lodge so long as the total attendance at the meeting shall comply with the remainder of this Edict in respect to physical distancing and local regulations;
E. The Master of the lodge may, his discretion, direct that all in attendance at such meetings wear facial coverings as recommended by the CDC, provided, however, that no one in attendance may be prohibited from wearing a facial covering at his election;
F. Notwithstanding Section 7.060 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws, all meetings shall be conducted in the First Degree of Freemasonry so as to comply with all social distancing guidelines in the practice of Masonic Ritual;
G. No degree conferral, ceremony, education or other business that cannot be conducted in a manner that complies with the above requirements may be conducted by the lodge. Any lodge in violation of this portion of the Edict shall be subject to Masonic Discipline, including but not limited to suspension of its functions;
Notwithstanding the above, the Edict issued March 11, 2020 allowing subordinate lodges to cancel or postpone stated communications at the discretion of the Master when the purpose of said cancelation or postponement is to prevent or limit the exposure of officers and members of the subordinate lodge to coronavirus or some other such infectious or contagious disease of a similar nature remains in full force and effect through September 1, 2020 and all dispensations issued pursuant to that Edict remain in full force and effect.
This Edict shall remain in full force and effect until otherwise modified by further Order of the Grand Master.
DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
In May, 1868, after several years of various parts of our country taking time to honor and remember the veterans of the civil war by spreading flowers over the graves of casualties of that war, a national movement took hold and the first national day of remembrance was held. At the time it was called Decoration day but over time has been dubbed Memorial Day. It became a National holiday effective in 1971 and was designated as being celebrated on the last Monday in May. May was originally chosen because May of each year is the most prolific for blooming flowers.
As the Memorial Day holiday approaches and we try to find time during this national pandemic to gather together as best we can and as has become our tradition, let us pause and reflect on the purpose of this holiday. A portion of the ceremony that was developed to honor our masonic brothers who chose to serve our country in the military, mentions several things that are moving and should be remembered during this holiday.
“WHILE THIS SERVICE MAY HAVE BEEN IN A TIME OF WAR OR A TIME OF PEACE, IT HAS BEEN THROUGH THEIR LOVE, LOYALTY AND ZEALOUS SENSE OF DUTY THAT WE MAY CONTINUE TO LIVE TOGETHER FREELY AND HONORABLY.
NO MATTER WHICH BRANCH THEY SERVED IN, WHATEVER THEIR JOB PATH, OR HOW MANY YEARS THEY SERVED, RAISING THEIR HAND AND COMMITTING THEMSELVES TO SERVICE IN THE MILITARY WAS A BRAVE AND SELFLESS ACT.
NOW, AS WE PAY TRIBUTE TO THOSE BROTHER WHO SO GALLANTLY SERVED OUR COUNTRY, LET US NEVER FORGET THE SACRIFICES HE AND HIS FAMILY MADE TO PRESERVE THE FREEDOMS OF THIS GREAT NATION.
HELP US TO REMEMBER THAT THE FREEDOMS WE ENJOY IN THIS GREAT COUNTRY DID NOT COME WITHOUT COST, THAT OUR BROTHERS AND THE MEN AND WOMEN LIKE THEM PAID FOR THEM WITH THEIR BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS.”
During your holiday activities, take time to close your eyes, take several deep breaths and contemplate, reflect and concentrate on exactly what this date means and the sacrifices made on our behalf. Then say a prayer for the families and loved ones who still suffer the loss of a loved one and REMEMBER.
May God bless and protect each of you and our great nation.
Fraternally
Stanton T. Brown, II
Grand Master
EDICT 4.24.20 from MWB Stanton T. Brown, II Grand Master
Brethren,
Please refer to the attached EDICT (4.24.20) from MWB Stanton T. Brown, II, Grand Master.
This message is sent by widest dissemination by the Grand Lodge of Missouri to all Members due to the critical nature of the situation.
This is to be shared as practicle to include Social Media outlets and to be read and posted at the Lodge at the next stated communication.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Jeffrey S. Pennington
Grand Secretary
EDICT April 24, 2020
TO: All Missouri Masons under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri
Whereas, on March 25, 2020, I, as Grand Master, issued an Edict suspending all lodge meetings, masonic community events and degree work through April 24, 2020; and
Whereas, the State of Missouri has issued a “Stay At Home” Order through May 3, 2020; and
Whereas, other governmental jurisdictions have issued “Stay At Home” regulations extending through later dates; and Whereas, public health authorities have issued recommendations relating to the conduct of meetings held following the expiration of said orders and regulations,
THEREFORE, under the authority of Section 2.010(k) of the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Missouri as Grand Master, I hereby issue the following additional Edict, effective immediately:
A. The Edict issued March 25, 2020 is hereby extended in full until May 3, 2020:
B. All lodges desirous of meeting may only do so to the extent the same is otherwise allowed by the laws, ordinances and regulations of the city, county or other political subdivision in which the lodge hall is located;
C. All meetings so held shall be conducted in a manner which complies with all laws, regulations, requirements and guidelines of the State of Missouri and any city, county or other political subdivision in which the lodge hall is located;
D. All meetings so held shall further be conducted in a manner which complies with all recommendations of the United States Centers for Disease Control with respect to face coverings, hand sanitation, and disease mitigation protocols;
E. Notwithstanding Section 7.060 of the Grand Lodge By-Laws, all meetings shall be conducted in the First Degree of Freemasonry so as to comply with all social distancing guidelines in the practice of Masonic Ritual;
F. No degree conferral, ceremony, education or other business that cannot be conducted in a manner that complies with the above requirements may be conducted by the lodge.
It is further recommended that attendance at all meetings be limited to resident members of the lodge so as to comply with social distancing and public gathering size recommendations.
Notwithstanding the above, the Edict issued March 11, 2020 allowing subordinate lodges to cancel or postpone stated communications at the discretion of the Master when the purpose of said cancelation or postponement is to prevent or limit the exposure of officers and members of the subordinate lodge to coronavirus or some other such infectious or contagious disease of a similar nature remains in full force and effect through September 1, 2020 and all dispensations issued pursuant to that Edict remain in full force and effect.
This Edict shall remain in full force and effect until otherwise modified by further Order of the Grand Master.
Stanton T. Brown, II
Grand Master
EDICT 3.25.2020 from MWB Stanton T. Brown, II Grand Master *EXPIRED 4.24.2020*
Please refer to the attached edit from MWB Stanton T. Brown, II, Grand Master
Grand Lodge Office To Be Closed To All Visitors
In the last 2 weeks since my Edict was issued and my subsequent announcements concerning the issues arising from the outbreak and spreading of the COVID-19 coronavirus, it seems that we know very little more concerning the long-term ramifications of this disease or how long we will have to deal with it.
What is apparent is that it is continuing to spread and still no true explanation of how communicable it is and by what method it is transmitted.
In view of the recommendations of the CDC, WHO, city, county, and State governments as well as multiple health experts and in consideration of the inherent risks involved with close contact with the general public, I am ordering that effective immediately, the Grand Lodge Office be closed to all visitors until further notice. When there are clear and verifiable indications that the risk of infection has been controlled and abated, we will reassess the need for limiting access to the Grand Lodge office location.
The Grand Lodge staff and all personnel will continue to function and conduct all business as prescribed by our by-laws and by our obligation and commitment to serving the craft members and lodges. Instead of face to face interactions during this time, all business will be conducted by telephone, emails or other forms of electronic communications.
It is at times like this that allow us to refocus on what is truly important and to remember the welfare of our brothers and their families. Take this opportunity to reflect on our obligations to each other and check on ones you haven’t heard from for a while, especially our elderly members and widows.
I believe that this action is consistent with our commitment to each other and is in the best interest of all concerned. Your patience and understanding during this trying time is requested and is greatly appreciated.
Fraternally Yours,
Stanton T. Brown II
Grand Master 2019-2020